Successful Retirement Plan for LGBTQ Adults Includes Long-Term Care Insurance
More than 39 million people in the U.S. are aged 65 years or older. Of the 39 million Americans, 2.4 million identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. To the surprise of no one, a recent study shows LGBTQ adults are more likely than the rest of the population to live alone, not have children, and be single when they are older.
Aging, declining health, and long-term health care are significant concerns for LGBTQ adults. When you get older, you are likely to need help with "activities of daily living," but an LGBTQ person will generally not have direct family support to help them with aging health issues. As a person ages, the lack of support creates additional pressure.
Discrimination Concern
LGBT baby boomers have significant concerns about discrimination as they get older, with one study showing 27% of LGBTQ older adults encountering violations of their rights when seeking long-term health care services. Many LGBTQ adults fear discrimination in assisted living and nursing home settings.
Anyone who finds themselves needing help with daily living activities in their home or when moving into a long-term care community experiences a significant life change. When you add additional fears about discrimination, it can make aging even more stressful.
Friends and Family Unprepared and Untrained to be Caregivers
Family and loved ones are often unprepared and untrained to be caregivers themselves. Even for those who have partners or have children, family caregivers are not the best plan because of the tremendous burdens placed on them.
Everyone needs a plan for future long-term health care; for the older LGBTQ community, a plan can be a lifeline that reduces stress and ensures access to a choice of quality care options.
Long-Term Care Insurance Can Be a Great Partner
Long-Term Care Insurance can be a partner in planning for a successful future retirement. LTC insurance will safeguard assets and provide guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for quality care in the setting you desire.
Some policies will provide professional case management to advocate for quality care. Case management can be critical since an LGBTQ individual may not have a family member helping them at this time. Plus, there are unique concerns many in the LGBT community have about care providers
Read more here: Here.
Protect Savings and Lifestyle
Few people want to think about declining health and long-term care, but aging is a part of life. A plan that includes Long-Term Care Insurance will not only protect assets and lifestyle but will ensure access to a choice of quality care, including in-home care.
Long-Term Care Insurance is affordable, especially when purchased at younger ages. Today, most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Couples can even receive partner discounts and have the ability for shared benefits.
Health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most long-term care costs. Medicaid will only pay for long-term health care if you have little or no income and assets. The responsibility is yours, and Long-Term Care Insurance is an effective solution.
Long-Term Care Costs Vary Depending on Location
You probably heard the phrase "location, location location." The cost of care varies depending on where you live. For example, California's average cost of care is higher than in Iowa. New York is more expensive than Louisiana. But even within a state, the cost of care can vary. For example, southern California is less than northern California.
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator is an outstanding tool that shows you the current and future cost of care services where you live. Plus, you will see important state-specific information - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
An experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can help you find the average cost of care and design a plan which addresses these costs.
Tax benefits are available for some people when they own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, especially if you are self-employed or own an S-Corp, C-Corp, or LLC. Learn more with the LTC NEWS long-term care tax guide - Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide | LTC News.
Get Professional Planning Help
Always work with a specialist who represents all the major insurance companies. One way to determine their level of experience is the total number of clients with Long-Term Care Insurance. If a specialist has over 300 clients with policies in force, that is good. More, the better.
Be sure to ask them about their claims experience and how many companies they represent. Just because they call themselves specialists does not mean they are specialists. Be sure they represent the top companies, understand underwriting, policy design, partnership, and claims. In addition, they should have experience with all types of long-term care solutions.
Find an experienced and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist by clicking here.
Most experts suggest planning in your 40s or 50s when you still enjoy good health and may qualify for discounts.
In addition to LTC NEWS, there are several other good online resources: